An enchanting meander along Retha’s Trail, Schoenmakerskop.

Two years ago I photographed Retha’s Trail and intended sharing but kept on forgetting. The title of the post then was “Retha’s Trail, the best kept secret in Port Elizabeth.” I can no longer use this title, the secret is out, many people have since been visiting the trail and talking about the trail.

Schoenmakerskop resident Retha, created and developed the path with a chain saw and a few helpers, a path was cut behind some of the houses and she’s filled it with eclectic findings to create a lovely distraction for walkers. I’ve had great intentions of arranging a meeting with Retha but have still not arranged it. A few months back Luc Hosten, a Schoenmakerskop local and photographer supreme, reminded us of Retha’s Trail when sharing his beautiful photographs of the trail. With his permission we are sharing his photograph of Retha. For more on Luc’s fine work and all of his information, please visit:

A little later Jonker Fourie beat me to it with publishing his post on Retha’s Trail! Jonker is also known as Firefly the Travel Guy, he has a photographic blog guide to “beautiful SA, its travel destinations, animals, bugs, birds, plants, flowers, history and culture plus some other stuff. A reference guide to (not quite, but nearly) everything South African”

Here’s an excerpt from his blogpost on Retha’s Trail:-

“One of Port Elizabeth’s little gems that very few people seem to know of is Retha’s Trail in Schoenmakerskop. Retha’s Trail stretches behind the houses (from #24 to #40) in Schoenies on Marine Drive between and can be accessed between numbers 22 and 24. The trail is always open and was created by local resident Retha Taylor along with a couple of workers. The trail starts by the labyrinth on the eastern side and is more about what you’ll find along the way than the trail itself as it’s not really a hiking trail in the sense of the word due to its length. Or in this case “shortness”. Along the way there are literally hundreds of items that act as conversation pieces, some representing something significant in people’s lives and others just because. Or as we say in Afrikaans, “Sommer maar net.” Next time you’re in the area do drop by as I promise you you will love it.”

At long last old slow coach here has managed to hit the ‘publish’ button on this post, I do hope that you enjoy browsing my small collection of sights along the quaint Retha’s Trail at Schoenmakerskop, Port Elizabeth.

Comments

Even though more people now know of Retha’s Trail, you’ll be surprised how many people still haven’t heard of it. A really special spot and it just shows what somebody with a little bit of vision can accomplish.

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Like the place and the hosts, it was very nice and had a peaceful stay. Will definitely stay there if I’m in PE. Will absolutely recommend it for its hospitality. J. Mafukati booked out of Dempseys on 08/02/2019. Place your Dempseys guest review here.